. >> reporter: minority leader mitch mcconnell called vice president biden in for help. biden is now said to be playing a direct role. >> there's no single issue that remains an impossible sticking point. the sticking point appears to be a willingness and interest or frankly the courage to close the deal. >> reporter: if congress doesn't act soon, drastic spending cuts will go into effect and taxes go up for everyone. senate leaders continue to work on the stop gap bill, but sticking points remain. >> there's still significant difference between the two sides, but negotiations continue. >> reporter: reid said negotiation also continue through the night, with just hours left till that deadline. john and paula? >>> secretary of state hillary clinton is spending new year's eve in the hospital. during a checkup for her concussion, doctors discovered clinton developed a blood clot. now she's on medication. the medical experts we spoke with speculate that clinton may have developed the clot after days of inactivity due to the concussion. >> we wish her a speedy recovery. >>> m